> Ellie PoV <

Me and Kira sit down in the dining room.

“Good morning Mistress.” (Ariel)

Ariel was already waiting for us.

She’s wearing some sort of maid outfit.

It looks a bit like the classy long maid dress the Baron’s maids wore.

It’s dark-blue and has a frilly white apron in front.

Except the back is completely exposed and there are no sleeves.

I'm guessing it's because of the wings on her back and feathers along her outer arms.

Her leather armor had a similar design.

“Good morning, Ariel.” (Kira)

“Is it time for punishment?” (Ariel)

“Why is that the first- *Ahem* No, it’s breakfast time actually, can you go get some for both of us?” (Kira)

“At once, Mistress!” (Ariel)

Kira, good job!

She’s been getting better at not minding that peculiar behavior.

It’s been only three days, but we've already got a good handle on how to cope with Ariel’s weirdness.

Well, Kelly is a bit weird too, in my opinion.

But Kelly is easy to deal with, we just have to stock up on booze and any problems solve themselves.

Right now Ariel’s living in that guest house we had for the dwarves.

It’s more like a bungalow, though.

Well, it was thrown together in a rush, but it seems comfy enough inside.

For some reason Ariel imagined we would make her sleep outside in the dirt.

No, to be more precise, she hoped that would be the case.

For being a bird lady, she sure obsesses a lot over dirt.

Maybe she misses it because she’s in the sky a lot?

“This one has returned bearing breakfast for Mistress and her lover.” (Ariel)

Ariel returns with a plate of eggs on toast and another filled with bacon!

Come here you wonderful strips of porcine goodness!

*Munch munch munch*

“Uhm. Ariel. What’s up with these eggs?” (Kira)

“This one made them herself, Mistress!” (Ariel)

That’s so good!

It’s not every day we get to eat pork bacon!

“What do you made them? Don’t tell me- Urk! You didn’t… lay these, did you?” (Kira)

“Oh no, Mistress! This one merely fried them!” (Ariel)

*Munch munch*

Wild boar bacon is good, but it can’t compare to proper pork!

“Oh thank goodness… But why are they blue?” (Kira)

Hmm?

Oh, these eggs have blue yolk!

I didn’t notice because mister bacon had entered the room!

“These are fresh Hippogryph eggs this one bought yesterday. They are a high quality ingredient that aids in the circulation of mana.” (Ariel)

“Hippogryph eggs!? Those are ten times more expensive than regular ones! Don’t waste money on something that doesn’t matter!” (Kira)

“This one begs forgiveness, Mistress! This one did not consider Mistress’s wishes!” (Ariel)

She’s back to that groveling position again.

“I’ll be adding this blunder to your punishment later! Make sure you reflect properly, got it?!” (Kira)

“Yes! This one shall engrave Mistress-” (Ariel)

“Just shut up and go wake up the girls! And remember to keep your rotten bird-brain in check!” (Kira)

This is one of the tricks Kira learned about Ariel’s condition.

If you reprimand her harshly, she will be more docile for a while.

“Hnn! Yes, Mistress!” (Ariel)

And there she goes up the steps.

“Honestly, that girl. Sometimes I think she does these things on purpose.” (Kira)

She reaches over and starts eating them anyway.

Kira seems to actually like these Hippogryph eggs.

But like she said, they’re way too expensive.

I’m not sure how our finances are doing, but it’s been awhile since we did any paying work.

Actually, that’s a fair point.

“Kira, let’s do a commission later when we visit the guild.” (Ellie)

“Oh! Right! Today’s the day! I almost forgot since I let that stupid bird get to me!” (Kira)

*Nom nom nom*

She gets some strange spurt of motivation and starts eating her eggs on toast really quickly.

Well, I’m already finished with the bacon, so let’s fill up on watching Kira eating her food!

“Good morning Mom and Mom!” (Lara)

Lara and Sophie arrive from upstairs.

We exchange greetings and they start eating breakfast.

Ariel quietly stands in the corner and waits to be called over.

This is one of the rules Kira gave her.

Absolutely, under no circumstances, should she ever misbehave in front of the kids.

Unfortunately it seems like it’s impossible for her to keep that up all of the time.

Kira tried ordering her to do that, but Ariel started fidgeting and being restless after about four hours.

Two hours after that, she started heavily panting.

After a total of eight hours, she fell to the ground and made strange noises while grasping at Kira’s feet.

Kira had to stomp on her hand and kick her in the face before she settled down.

But somehow it felt like Kira was the one that took the most damage in that encounter.

So the current arrangement is the tentative solution.

Ariel’s like a PLR-45 Sidearm.

If you don’t vent the plasma capacitors regularly, it’s likely to melt from the heat build-up.

Almost exactly like that, actually.

Honestly, I think she acts strange only when Kira is around.

She desperately wants to be punished, you see.

But not to the degree where she will do bad things on purpose.

Gah!

I accidentally recalled what was coursing through her head that time!

That was scary!

People regularly have rude thoughts in their heads, I’m used to those.

But this was the first time I’ve heard someone with this overactive an imagination!

Her obsession with Kira is impossible to put into words!

It might even be on the same level as mine!

I’m not jealous though.

It’s a different sort of obsession.

I want to be the target of Kira’s love and affection.

Ariel wants to be the target of Kira’s contempt and disgust.

And heels, for some reason.

Therefore, there is nothing to be jealous about!

There is no overlap, you see.

Although I feel sorry for Ariel.

Kira is too kind to truly be disgusted with someone.

At most she feels uncomfortable.

Maybe I can help out somehow?

Hmmm…

* * *

“Good day, Ellie! And Mrs Quasse. So good to see you again!” (Clara)

“Good day, Clara.” (Ellie)

“Good day Clara! Are our cards ready yet?” (Kira)

“They are! Grandmaster Kilroy said he would like to give them to you personally! Right this way, please!” (Clara)

Clara leads us up the stairs to the Grandmaster’s office.

Ariel was there too since her card had to be updated as well.

Although her presence was somehow completely ignored by Clara.

But then again, Ariel seems to ignore everything that isn’t directly related to Kira.

So… they have a mutual understanding to ignore each other.

This is also a form of getting along with others, yes?

We reach the slightly nostalgic Grandmaster’s office.

*Knock knock*

Clara knocks twice on the door then pokes her head inside.

“Grandmaster, I’m here with Ellie (and some extras) to receive her Rank A promotion!” (Clara)

“Very good. Come inside everyone.” (Grandmaster)

We all file inside the room.

“Good to see you everyone. I’m sorry it may not be as grand an event as you were hoping, but at least it will be over with quickly.” (Grandmaster)

The Grandmaster stands up from behind his desk and heads towards Clara.

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Oh that’s right, Clara is also here for some reason.

Ah, she’s carrying the shiny new Adventurer's Cards for us!

The Grandmaster gratefully accepts the small ornamental box from her.

Hmm?

Oh, I see, she’s also looking forward to the actual ceremony.

I don’t believe it’s as huge an event as she thinks it is.

“For exemplary service in the face of adversity, the Adventurer’s Guild officially recognizes Kiressara mil Quasse and Ellie mil Quasse as Rank A adventurers. Congratulations.” (Grandmaster)

*Clap clap clap*

Clara and Ariel give us a small round of applause.

Again, is this really that big a deal?

No, bad Ellie!

Kira looks so happy she might break out into tears!

This is a big deal for Kira, therefore it should be a big deal for me!

“Here are your cards. May you continue to make the guild proud.” (Grandmaster)

He opens the fancy box and presents it to us.

Two shiny new Adventurer’s cards are inside.

They’re the same base white with the same creepy identity verification function.

However, the golden edge that looks like a tiny frame makes it stand out.

Kira takes them out with a trembling hand.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Kiressara mil Quasse

Titles: Red Sage, Magic Pioneer, Dragonbane

Team: Black Flame

Position: Support

Rank: A

Perk: Researcher

Status: Active

--------------------------------------------------------------

She holds her new card with one hand and covers her lower face with the other.

Yep, she’s moved to tears.

It was very bad of me to belittle this important event for her.

This was one of her dreams, but I got cocky and forgot myself!

I’ll make sure to properly apologize later.

The Perk she chose in advance was Researcher.

It lets Kira go to the Magic Academy or the Military Academy and borrow their instructors or facilities at any time.

Free of charge, of course.

It’s an important thing for our future jobs.

I take a look at my own card.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Ellie mil Quasse

Titles: Silent Shadow, Bonesetter, Dragonbane 

Team: Black Flame

Position: Scout

Rank: A

Perk: Enforcer

Status: Active

--------------------------------------------------------------

Mine was a tougher choice.

Initially I was going to pick Seeker of Knowledge.

That would give me unlimited access to the guild’s information network.

Including normally confidential stuff, like personal details about adventurers.

I thought it would be useful for Kira’s future job.

But she kindly said I should think about myself.

It was okay to be selfish since it’s my reward for making it this far.

In the end I picked Enforcer.

I can now act on behalf of the local law enforcement!

Well, this is mostly so I won’t get in trouble for breaking rude people.

Less time spent explaining myself means more time spent with Kira!

“Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me!” (Kira)

As for Kira, it seems she’s recovered a bit.

She was also really happy when we got the message our Rank A promotions were a sure thing.

But actually receiving it is still on a different level, huh?

“You are very welcome Mrs Quasse.” (Grandmaster)

“Congratulations, Mistr-.” (Ariel)

“Speak only when spoken to, birdface.” (Kira)

“Hnn! Haaah!” (Ariel)

Kira interrupted Ariel without even looking backwards or breaking her wide smile.

She’s completely gotten used to dealing with her by now.

Me?

I’m too busy focusing on Kira to care about Ariel.

“Congratulations, Ellie!” (Clara)

Ah right!

“Here, Clara. You wanted to make a copy, right?” (Ellie)

I hand her the new card so she can make a tracing of it right away.

“Is… is that really okay!?” (Clara)

It’s something minor she wanted.

It takes even less effort than an autograph on my part.

“Go right ahead. But hurry, please.” (Ellie)

“Yes! At once! Move it, extra!” (Clara)

She shoves Ariel out of the way and runs out of the room.

“What a rude little worm. She doesn’t seem to realize her position.” (Ariel)

That’s odd.

I thought Ariel would be happy at the rough treatment.

Instead she has a face like she’s smelling something bad while openly belittling Clara.

Seems like if it’s not me or Kira it doesn’t count as ‘punishment.’

“Ariel. Do not be rude towards Clara. She has helped us a lot in the past.” (Ellie)

“AH! Forgive-” (Ariel)

“Keep it down back there, you oversized turkey! You’re ruining my concentration!” (Kira)

All Kira’s concentrating on is the feeling of the card in her hands, though.

“NNnnnnng!” (Ariel)

As for Ariel, she’ll probably listen to what I said.

She’s been treating me more or less like I’m Kira ever since she saw we have the same face.

Well, we’re basically the same person, so it’s not wrong.

After realizing this, I suggested we split the duty of managing her condition.

Kira was a bit apprehensive at the idea, but she accepted it.

She will handle the verbal punishment and I will handle the physical.

I know quite a lot about choke holds and torture techniques, you see.

Only using mild ones though, going overboard is no good.

In the end, Ariel is happy because she gets her punishment while me and Kira get to relieve some stress.

Also, Ariel gets to practice her healing magic, so there’s no loss.

Well, watching her laugh gleefully during her punishment is a bit creepy.

But it’s something I’m willing to endure.

It’s my duty to share in Kira’s burdens.

Since I’m the wife.

“Ah, that’s right. Miss Noko, I have your card as well.” (Grandmaster)

“Thank you.” (Ariel)

The Grandmaster hands Ariel her card back too.

Well, hers is the same except for the team name on it.

With this she’s officially a part of [Black Flame].

Our business done, we head back down to the first floor.

Clara comes out of the back room with my card.

Seems she’s already done copying it.

“Thank you, Ellie! *Sniffle* You have no idea what *Sniffle* this means to me!” (Clara)

“It was nothing.” (Ellie)

I take it back from her quivering fingers and put it away.

Hmm, I think I get it now.

Rank A really didn’t matter to me. 

But it’s somehow important to those around me.

Seeing how happy it made Clara and Kira made me a little happy as well.

I’m sure the kids will also be overjoyed.

Therefore, I’ve decided to be proud of being Rank A!

“Now then! Let’s go see if there’s any good Monster Hole requests we can clean up and rake it in!” (Kira)

Ohhh!

Kira’s in ‘super motivated to earn money’ mode!

I’m rather looking forward to it myself!

It’s been so long since we went out on something simple like a subjugation request.

No dragons, no conspiracies, no titans and no camping out in the woods where we can’t make love!

Just us, some monsters, and a lot of blood!

End of Act Seven - The Price of Progress

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Well how about that? A quiet act where there was no life-threatening or world-shattering event.

Or WAS THERE?!?!?! Hint: No, there wasn't.